Wagon Roundup

Station wagon owners head to Sturbridge for the national meet of the International Station Wagon Club

Feature Article from Hemmings Motor News

America's most lovable automotive icon has got to be the station wagon. With these cars' distinctive styling, spacious interiors and incredible cargo-carrying abilities, it's no wonder that so many people have nothing but fond memories of the long-roof automotive treasures.
This past June, I headed down to Sturbridge, Massachusetts, to attend the annual meet of the International Station Wagon Club. This one-day Saturday meet was nothing short of a love fest celebrating everything that's wonderful about these historically significant automotive artifacts.
Practically every single make was represented, spanning some seven different decades of station wagon production. With the exception of a few pristine show cars, almost all of the 75 wagons on display were well-maintained drivers, which means that they are driven and enjoyed regularly. After all, if you own perhaps the most useful and versatile automobile ever created, how can you not use it?
Whether you have an old station wagon parked in your garage or are interested in learning more about them, take a few minutes and visit the club's Web site: www.iswc.us. In the meantime, here's a taste of what cruised onto the show field.
PHOTO 1
With its beige paint, simulated woodgrain sides and requisite roof rack, this 1953 Ford Country Squire, owned by Jack and Barbara Lane, has the look that makes Fifties Ford wagons so desirable.
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One of the most striking wagon designs of all time is the 1957 Pontiac Custom Safari. This silver and black beauty is owned by Wheeler and Kathy Bradley. Next to it is a 1948 Pontiac woodie wagon that was brought to the meet by its owner, James Bruno.
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If you love station wagons and your last name is Hillman, what else would you want to own but a Hillman? Verne Hillman has owned this unrestored 1958 Hillman Minx Series II wagon for more than 20 years and enjoys driving it regularly.
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Dick Woodside drove his freshly restored 1958 Chrysler New Yorker wagon all the way from Mississauga, Ontario. He had only completed its restoration the day before the meet, and made it to Sturbridge without any problems.
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Kevin, Christine and Erin Dewyea drove down to Sturbridge from Vermont in their great-looking--and very muscular--1968 Buick Sport Wagon.
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The number one station wagon enthusiast at the meet was none other than Ted Langmeyer, who brought two cars from his collection: The finely restored 1955 Buick Special looked fantastic in its two-tone color combination, and his 1940 Pontiac wagon was equally fascinating.
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This 1964 Ford Fairlane looked absolutely fabulous with its bright red interior set against the black body. Mary and Mike Furcolo are the lucky owners of this restored beauty.
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James Bruno's display on the tailgate of his 1948 Pontiac shows some of the things that were hauled by wagon owners to the beach back in the day: all metal Pepsi-Cola cooler, painted metal pail and shovels and toy car for the kids, glass-lined thermos bottle and a leather carrying case.
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George Pasay was proud to show his 1963 Dodge 880 Wagon Custom with its factory-applied paint showing its age. Unrestored examples such as this are becoming increasingly rare with each car that gets restored.
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It's always a treat to see a Pinto at a car show, especially such an incredible, original example as this 1977 Squire owned by Bill Doyle. This unrestored wagon was in truly remarkable condition.
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A 1962 Corvair Monza wagon like this one is a rare find. Just 2,362 were built, loaded with all of the trim and goodies available on the coupe and sedan. Ron Muise's restored Monza attracted attention throughout the day, even though it was parked next to that beautiful Pontiac woody.

This article originally appeared in the October, 2008 issue of Hemmings Motor News.